Tyne Tees

Potash mines for North Yorks

Controversial plans to build a potash mine near Whitby in North Yorkshire could be deferred until next year. York Potash has asked for more time to submit further details on the application - deferring the decision for a third time.

A major planning battle is expected after a mining company announced today it had submitted a long-awaited application to sink a potash mine in the North York Moors national park, creating a 1,000 permanent jobs.

Sirius Minerals wants to build the mine two-and-a-half miles south of Whitby. It says the mine would exploit what is believed to be the world's biggest and best quality supply of potash, which is used to make fertiliser.

But critics say the technology is untested and the mine will be an eyesore in the heart of one of the region's most protected landscapes. The company says it expects a decision to be made by the national park planning authority in May.

"This is a major milestone for the company and one that we believe brings us closer to the first day of construction and production at the York Potash Project."